Do The Right Thing

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Jane/Susannah/Sadie here, who put off writing this post as long as she could … 

First off, I hope everyone is having a wonderful celebratory season, whatever form that takes for you. I have been on a staycation, getting lots of little projects done around the house (with a few more to go over the next days until January 2).

Did you ever have to do a thing that you knew was right, but that still broke your heart a little? Well, that’s where I am right now. This will be my last regularly scheduled post as a Wicked Accomplice. It’s been an amazing few years here, blogging one Thursday a month with some of the most dangerous, talented, and accomplished female sleuth-wranglers out there.  The time has come, though, for me to take a break. I’ll tell you more at the end of the post, but I thought it might be fun to tell you some of the not-real reasons first:

Not-Real Reason 1: I am now choosing to spend my time playing with the Instant Pot I got for Christmas. Do any of you have one? I wasn’t sure about it, but man oh man can it do a lot. I’ve already made bone broth from a rotisserie chicken, and the results are far superior to using the slow cooker–the broth came out very tasty and clear, without any of the little sludgy protein bits that never strain out completely and make the liquid cloudy.  I also made crème brulee (just the crème, not the brulee yet) and the custards came out perfectly. (They’re in the fridge waiting to be torched tomorrow). Next up: beef short ribs.

NRR2: I won the lottery, retired from the day job, and bought a villa on a Greek island. If only! When that happens, I’ll let you all know and you can come and visit me. Bring books so I can build a library that overlooks the ocean.

NRR3: I am obsessively knitting. Well, true, but not the Real Reason. I have been going through closets and drawers (avoiding thinking about the 3-generations-of-stuff pit that is my basement and must be addressed at some point), and one of those was my craft closet. I made a commitment to myself that everything had to fit into that one not-very-big space, but I also committed to either finishing or tossing UFOs (Unfinished Objects, for you noncrafters). So far I’ve finished a hat, a small shawl, and right now I’m working on the mate to a fingerless glove–again. I dropped a bunch of stitches on the thumb opening–enough that when I tried to pick them up, I made a bigger mess and the stitches ran like a cheap pair of pantyhose. Clear nail polish on the run wasn’t going to help, so I frogged it (Knitspeak for ripping out stitches) down to the cuff and started it again from that point.  Oh, and the craft closet is unstuffed, neat, and organized. Now to maintain it!

NRR4: I’ve become a great aunt for the first time! Also true. My niece just birthed a tiny baby boy (only 6.25 pounds, but healthy)–a couple of weeks early, on Christmas Day. Am I the only one who thinks “Great Aunt” sounds like someone older than a “Grandma?” No matter–I can’t wait to see the baby in a few weeks, even though I actually AM older than the baby’s grandma (my younger sister). I will call her “Granny” and that may make me feel better.

The Real Reason. I wish it was more exciting, but the fact is, in my heart (the one that’s breaking right now, remember?), I just knew it was time. Now that I’ve gone back to work (especially because my job is in the publishing industry), I’ve found it challenging to maintain my focus on the thing that really matters to me: writing stories. And in order to do that, just like the closets and drawers in my house, I have to let go of some things in order to make room for the new. Sadly, my monthly date here is one of them, a sacrifice I need to make for my own greater good.

But I’m not really going anywhere. I’ll still pop in and comment from time to time (I couldn’t give up this wonderful blog completely!), and I may do an occasional guest post. Look for a new Susannah Hardy novella, The Poseidon Misadventure, coming out in March (ebook only; I should have it up for preorder soon)!

So, in closing, I want to thank the Wickeds for letting me hang out with them, and even more I want to thank you all, Dear, Dear Readers, for coming along with me on this journey. It’s been a joy and a privilege.

Now, so I don’t cry, tell me something that’s bringing you joy in your life!

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32 Thoughts

  1. You know we have loved having you here with us, Susanna/Sadie (Jane). While I understand your reasons for departing, I also understand it’s hard for you. You are welcome back on a guest spot any time you want! And I do hope you’ll pop by with comments.

    Brava on the craft closet, my friend. Maybe next summer on a bright dry day we can make a mutual pact to tackle our respective basements!

  3. Sad to see you go, but we all have adventures we must travel. May your be smooth and adventuresome. <3 Just remember that it's fun to revisit places of the past from time to time. 🙂

    The greatest thing to bring me joy is my amazing husband. Even after 36+ years, I love to wake up to see his smile. Retirement is a great joy. Being able to change your schedule at the drop of an idea without clearing it with anyone is amazing. Being able to do what you want when you want is a great joy. Living in our dream destination is also a great joy to us. Love watching all our critters which bring us joy with their antics and daily visits.
    2clowns at arkansas dot net

  4. So long, Jane, but not good-bye. I’ve been a great-aunt for five years, and I LOVE it. Much like being an aunt, it is all of the good parts and none of the tedium or overwhelming responsibility. As for things that bring me joy, I’m listening to my granddaughter who is downstairs playing with my daughter’s old dollhouse and it is making me so happy I may cry.

  6. Your blog — well except for the first bit and last bit made me laugh — UFOs ha! And I love the title the Poseidon Misadventure — knowing you’ve carved a bit of time to write out of your busy life brings me joy too. Thanks for the joy you’ve brought into our lives by being here with us.

  7. Fair winds, Jane! Come back and visit.

    I am plagued by UFOs, and am working to finish them. Have a stunning front and back of a sweater, but no pattern. Ugh.

    You may have sold me on a Instapot.

    Thanks for being part of this blog, and part if our community. Happiest of new years.

    1. Thanks, Julie! With every UFO I finish, I feel a little more self-respect layering on, LOL! And the Instant Pot is great. So much faster than a slow cooker, though you do have to add in a few minutes for it to pressure up before it actually starts cooking. Happy New Year to you too!

  8. So happy for your new adventures, and I wish you much success in all of them. I’m a great aunt, too, and I’m loving it – had the littles over for Christmas and it was a joy.

  9. Wishing you joy in your job and writing! Thank you for all your Wicked posts! My extra special joy today is my just-adopted dog, a six-year-old poodle mix. 🙂

  10. I’m sorry to hear this but I completely understand. We all need to make sure our priorities are in order from time to time.

  11. Hard to make these decisions but we really have to prioritize. Best of luck and looking forward to the new release when it’s out.

  12. I’ll miss you on the blog but I would rather have your books. I don’t know how you authors write and blog and do all the other things that you mention.

  13. You’ll be missed, Susannah. Dang, choices are always so hard to make. Best of luck with the new job and upcoming release. Mega congratulations on grand auntiehood – how wonderful – bet he’s a sweetie to behold.

  14. Awww I have a few little grand nieces and nephews, they’re pretty awesome especially when they’re brand new! Your Tangled Web series gave me a lot of joy and I only hope that some day your heart will be back in it to continue it. I just love those characters especially Uncle Eb! Family comes first though, please take care and keep us posted via Facebook.

    1. Thanks, Tari. Uncle Eb is one of my favorite characters (I shouldn’t play favorites, but…). He is loosely based on my grandfather, who didn’t feud with his neighbor, but was plenty crusty. I’ll keep you posted.

  15. You will be SO missed. Have fun knitting a cozy for your Instant Pot. And thanks for the entertainment you have given us over the years.

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